Reunited in Trivandrum

John and Mhari arrived at last; Hello Hippo -A zoo visit

(Lesley) Yesterday, John and Mhari arrived. Sam and I went to pick them up at the airport. I was totally choked up just before we saw them, it was quite funny. It was nice to be reunited. We are a family again! We took them straight to our hotel, shared stories and gave them an hour to shower. Then we took them off to the zoo where it was quiet and clean and peaceful. There were lots of neat animals to see too. We bought Mhari some sandles on the way home, because she left hers in Leamington. And one cannot do India in shoes and socks. Impossible.

That night we went out to a nice restaurant, a good one just next to our hotel, and for just over $12.00 canandian we had our fill of fantastic Indian grub. Better than any I've ever had before. Sam and I had eaten there once before and really enjoyed it.

Today Jan 14th, we got up, had breakfast at our favourite joint, The Indian Coffee House, and headed off to Kovalum Beach for the day. Being so close, we figured we just had to take Mhari and John to see it. (Sam and I had been before to see it but we aren't good at sitting on beaches and all the restaurants are more expensive there, so we hadn't stayed long. But today, we made a day of it and even rented beach chairs. Mhari and I went shopping and bought her some pj bottoms, light trousers and a scarf. She had been instructed to bring very little as most of her clothes were old and falling apart, too warm or too small. She now has cute turquoise pjs that were made to measure by a tailor. I had fun too because I have wanted to try getting stuff made was but a) don't need clothes and b) don't have room in my bag to carry extra stuff. Although with John here, Sam and I can share out the first aid kit, the computer, the mosquito net, etc and lighten out loads. But Mhari got to be our guinee pig at the tailor shop. I may just have to try it out myself at some point. Maybe later, once I'm sick of my clothes.

John and Mhari did well today and made it through to 8 pm without getting cranky -not bad for a first full day in India. Goodnight.